Proposal would give cash rebates to Ohio employers

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio employers could see $1 billion in cash rebates this summer from the state insurance fund for injured workers.

Gov. John Kasich said Thursday about 210,000 businesses and public employers could see a payout in June or July, should the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation board approve the idea.

Checks could range from $5 to several thousand dollars.

Officials say money for the one-time rebate stems from solid investments by the agency, which provides workers' compensation insurance for Ohio employers and covers approximately two-thirds of the state's workforce.

The rebate is separate from a court dispute over employer payments.

The state is appealing a judge's March decision awarding $860 million in repayments from the fund to employers the judge says were charged excessive premiums for nearly a decade.